Associations between comorbid stress and Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms: Are there cultural and gender variations?

Introduction: The American Psychiatric Association has requested additional studies examine risk, protective, and cultural factors in relation to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The present study aimed to explore the association between stress as a potential IGD risk effect, the possible exacerbating role of cultural orientation (vertical individualism [VI]), and how this may vary between genders.

Methods: The sample included adult gamers from the USA, UK, and Australia.